(editor’s note – no ex post facto proof for Larry Coryell)
The new James Taylor
by Maggie C. Bucholt, Bennington Banner, August 1, 1979
The first time I saw James Taylor was in 1971 in a small Greenwich Village nightspot. He was unexpectedly introduced by the main attraction, singer Carly Simon, and after singing one or two numbers in a soft, sweet voice, the lanky performer shyly exited into the night.
Since that time I’ve become an avid James Taylor fan, enjoying his mellow blend of blues and soft rock on numerous summer cross-country trips and on cold winter nights. The “Sweet Baby James” album, worn thin in spots, can attest to my fondness for his music.
I was therefore quite unprepared for the “new” James Taylor at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center Monday night. The concert was superb, staged by an expert showman who at times kicked up his heels to the music and looked as though he was actually enjoying himself.
Rip-roaring renditions of “Steamroller Blues” and “Brother Trucker” sent the audience into a foot-stomping and hand-clapping accompaniment. But not far behind, in the true Taylor style, were “Country Road,” “Sweet Baby James,” and after an incredible fast-paced “Summertime Blues” number, came “Fire and Rain.”
Ah, the old James was in there after all.
Playing to a packed house, the new James Taylor could do no wrong. Enthusiastic fans of all ages applauded at the first few notes of each song. Interspersed throughout were new numbers such as “I Will Not Lie For You” and “Company Man” and mellow-speed versions of “Carolina,” “Handy-man” and “Up On the Roof.”
Dressed in beige slacks and a rumpled short-sleeved pullover, Taylor, the husband of Carly Simon, wooed the audience with his newly found versatility, blending the soft rock he is well-known for with the dynamic show-stopping arrangements which made him a hit Monday night.
The Post-Star, July 30, 1979
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